Parents’ Guide to Fraternity and Sorority Life
- Greek Life in the 21st Century: An Overview
- Reasons Why You Student Should "Go Greek"
- Knowing the System and Learning the Language
- Joining a Greek Organization
- San Diego State University and the Greek Community
Campus Policies Governing Greek Organizations
Alcohol abuse and hazing are two common areas of concern to parents of Greek students. Be assured that SDSU enforces strict policies.
Alcohol and Other Drugs
The University encourages the Greek community to maintain a responsible, healthy, and safe approach to alcohol for those of legal drinking age. Chapters must adhere to all laws regulating the consumption of alcoholic beverages (including taking all reasonable measures to prevent underage drinking at chapter activities) and must also adhere to the following University policies
- Chapter funds cannot be used to purchase alcoholic beverages.
- Common sources of alcoholic beverages (kegs, open bars, alcoholic punch, etc.) are prohibited.
- Hard liquor is not permitted at chapter events, unless held at a licensed establishment.
- Drinking games are prohibited.
- Alcoholic beverages cannot be consumed at recruitment events or new member events including initiation, pre-initiation, new member retreats, and big brother/sister revealing.
- Chapters must provide for the safety of any member or guest who exhibits intoxication while at the chapter house or at a chapter function
- Use of illegal drugs is not tolerated at chapter-related activities.
Individual chapters can opt to be "dry" or substance-free. All chapter houses operated by Panhellenic Association chapters and two IFC fraternities at San Diego State University are substance-free.
Hazing
Hazing is illegal in California and is prohibited by the San Diego State University. Sanctions for violating the hazing policy may include both suspension of the chapter and individual disciplinary action against involved students.
SDSU defines hazing as any action taken or situation created which causes or is likely to cause bodily harm or danger, mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment; compels a student to do something that is unlawful or publicly indecent; or unreasonably impairs a students academic efforts. Examples of hazing include, but are not limited to:
- Paddling or striking individuals
- Calisthenics, running, etc. not associated with bona fide athletic contests
- Requiring students to wear unusual, uncomfortable, degrading or physically burdensome apparel
- Sleep deprivation (new member activities normally should not go beyond midnight on a school night)
- Compelling individuals to consume alcohol
- Compelling individuals to consume foreign or unusual substances
- Throwing substances at individuals
- Degrading or humiliating games
- "Kidnapping" individuals and/or abandoning them at distant locations
- Demeaning or intimidating interrogations such as line-ups
- Activities that interfere with a student’s ability to attend class or study
- Personal servitude
An activity is still considered to be hazing even if the participants voluntarily consent. Any activity that occurs as part of an organized new member activity is considered to be a compelled activity because of the peer pressure that may be involved.
Any student, chapter, or parent wondering whether an activity constitutes hazing is encouraged to discuss it with the Center for Fraternity and Sorority Life. Parents are encouraged to report suspected instances of hazing to the Center for Fraternity and Sorority Life. The name of the reporting party is not divulged without permission.
Violations of University Policies
The Center for Fraternity and Sorority Life facilities the judicial process for alleged chapter violations of university policies. Each of the four Greek governing councils has a peer judicial board that makes recommendations for sanctions if a chapter is found to have violated policies. Sanctions are frequently educational and remedial; however, serious violations may result in loss of council or university privileges and possible suspension of university recognition.
Students are also held accountable for their individual misconduct.
Violations of university policies by students are referred to the Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities which can place a students on probation, suspension or expulsion.
Final Thoughts
Membership in a Greek-letter organization provides lifelong friendships and valuable leadership opportunities. It prepares your student to take responsibility for his or her life. While not ready for full autonomy, maturing young adults have independent ideas that may be encouraged and shaped by peers, the University, and their families. If your son or daughter choses to become part of the SDSU Greek community, the Center for Fraternity and Sorority Life stand ready to help you with this latest transition in your student’s life.